Virus King [Translation]

Novak found himself reflecting—why had his mind even gone there for a piece of equipment like this?

Still, he couldn't deny it.

This was great stuff!

No doubt about it.

It was so good that Novak knew he wouldn't exchange this D-grade item for any C-grade one, no matter what came his way in the future. There was plenty of excellent equipment, but this low-grade gear, though seemingly ordinary, had an exceptional effect.

Even though Daphne had collected a variety of similar items after learning about Novak's preferences, none of them had the same allure as this equipment.

And the best part? This D-grade item had such low level requirements—it could be equipped as early as level five.

It boasted impressive attribute boosts for its rank.

Truly, an outstanding find.

Naturally, Novak wouldn't choose to equip it on his body. The Faceless Skin was worn close to the body, and his 'talent' had long surpassed being just 'extraordinary'. It was downright excessive!

Wearing this thing, he was genuinely worried it might interfere with his abilities.

He had no interest in a mere ten-point attribute boost.

For others, a twenty-point attribute increase might equate to gaining several levels, but for Novak, it was just a minor enhancement compared to his Blacklight Virus evolutions.

At this point, he hardly needed such boosts.

He stashed the equipment into his backpack.

After checking all the loot, it's time to upgrade his talents.

He looks at his evolution points.

Exhaling a breath, he used his evolution point, ten evolution points vanished.

The very next moment, Novak could feel his muscles and bones harden and grow lighter. Lightness—that was the best word to describe it.

His body shot forward, and his movement speed surged by more than 50% from before!

Even better, his stamina consumption was barely noticeable.

Spirit Speed! 

The last ability in his current progression of the Blacklight Virus had been unlocked by Novak!

Devouring the Biochemical Demon had rewarded him with an extra 30 evolution points, giving him an unprecedented surplus!

In addition, despite the rush during his sweep through the medical school, Novak had managed to accumulate a few more evolution points by consuming zombies along the way.

Now, even after spending ten evolution points, he still had 27 left—dedicated solely to the Blacklight Virus.

What did 27 evolution points mean?

There was no safer place than this incinerator room.

With no rush, Novak glanced at his stats, then seamlessly integrated the 27 remaining evolution points into his body.

The moment he did, it felt like the Blacklight Virus inside him ignited.

In the cold confines of the incinerator chamber, Novak's body reddened, his skin flushing as if he had been pulled straight out of boiling water—like a freshly cooked prawn!

The heat was unbearable!

The intense temperature caused by the virus nearly overwhelmed even someone of Novak's constitution, the searing pain almost impossible to control!

He had used 27 evolution points.

It took five evolution points to move the virus from 1% to 2%.

Increasing it from 2% to 3% required even more.

And finally, it took nine evolution points to push it from 3% to 4%.

Novak had used up 21 of the 27 evolution points entirely.

In the past, it had taken countless struggles for someone like him to edge the Blacklight Virus from 0.9% to 1%.

But now, the virus had increased its awakening percentage by a full 3%!

It was clear—despite the immense power of his Virus King talent—the Blacklight Virus inside Novak's body had been triggered to an unimaginable degree, surging uncontrollably through his blood vessels, swelling every cell it touched.

Yet, despite the explosive growth, it wasn't quite the breakthrough into a true qualitative transformation that he had experienced before.

After a grueling two or three hours, Novak finally opened his eyes.

His crimson pupils gleamed with a bloodthirsty glow.

A virus, by its very nature, seeks to spread, infect, and devour.

Viruses are the oldest life forms on Planet Kepler—and perhaps even in the entire universe. These minuscule entities boast lifespans that defy comprehension. Under the right conditions, they can survive for tens of thousands of years.

Though the Blacklight Virus wasn't an ancient one, its fearsome potential far surpassed any archaic strain.

It was, in a sense, the King of Viruses.

Its power was even greater than Novak had imagined.

Even though the Blacklight Virus had evolved significantly, its wild rampage inside Novak's body eventually quieted under the control of his Virus King talent.

Now, sitting on the ground, Novak felt as though he had been submerged in a steaming hot bath. His entire body was drenched in sweat, but it brought a strangely comforting sensation.

——

[Blacklight Virus: Initial Awakening. Current Awakening Level: 4%! Next re-evolution requires +1% progress. Evolution points required: 11! Evolution points may also be consumed to unlock the Blacklight Virus's killing evolution branch!]

——

[Strength +90, Agility +90, Constitution +90, Spirit +70, Life Recovery Effect +500%!]

The increase in his four main attributes wasn't as overwhelming as previous advancements, but Novak understood why.

The weaker the body, the easier it is to see improvement through training. But once the body reaches a higher level, even small gains become hard-won.

Still, he was thrilled—his stats had nearly doubled!

With that in mind, Novak glanced at the Blacklight Virus talent tree.

All three branches of abilities were fully unlocked, but beyond them, new branches were available to evolve further.

Yet for now, even viewing them was impossible—clearly, the virus hadn't awakened enough to light up those talents.

Novak wasn't concerned. At the pace his Blacklight Virus consumed evolution points, he was certain progress would be swift.

After a slow exhale, Novak realized he had spent enough time in this dungeon. It was time to leave.

Perhaps not even the God of Trade could have predicted that Novak would cross paths with him again in just ten hours.

Just as he reached the vortex to leave, something caught Novak's attention out of the corner of his eye.

He stopped abruptly, turning slowly to gaze at something he had never noticed before.

His instincts led him there—toward the massive incinerator that loomed inside the dungeon, the very machine that lent the area its name.